ENGLISH
REFERENCE

lead with one's chin

idiom
Meaning

To behave without caution; to make oneself vulnerable.


Examples
SIMPLE

Don't lead with your chin by criticizing the boss.

CONTEXTUAL

By arguing with the professor before reading the syllabus, he really led with his chin.

COMPLEX

The politician led with his chin when he made such a bold, unverified claim in front of the hostile press corps.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    abound in one's own sense

    To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.

  2. 02

    ace up one's sleeve

    A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.

  3. 03

    act one's age

    To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.

  4. 04

    act one's age, not one's shoe size

    Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).

  5. 05

    afraid of one's own shadow

    Exceptionally timid.

  6. 06

    air one's dirty laundry in public

    To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.

  7. 07

    air one's dirty linen in public

    Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.

  8. 08

    albatross around one's neck

    A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.

© 2026 English Reference